Books like 'The Right Words'
Readers who enjoyed The Right Words by Lane Hayes also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary gay romance athletes angst sports tortured hero super rich hero friends to lovers queer soccer
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#Fate by Cambria Hebert
Rated: 4.78 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsWhat’s meant to be will always find a way. Perfection isn’t an illusion. I met it, held it in my hands. But then it slipped right through. Perfection isn’t an illusion. It’s elusive, cleverly evasive, and, in many ways, a horrible tease. I’m not a man to be toyed with. Quiet, thoughtful, and even sometimes careful, but never someone to taunt... -
![Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely]()
Winning With Him by Lauren Blakely
Resisting the shortstop has never been my strong suit. I failed at it during my first spring training. It sure as hell looks like I'm about to fail at it again. The sport I love playing with my very soul hangs in the balance. But everything my heart craves lies with the guy I've got to resist. A guy who's asking me to make the toughest choice ever. But how do I become the man I want to be.. -
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![Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox]()
Thick as Thieves by Lucy Lennox
Julian:I've been in love with my best friend since forever. Okay, fine. Like, kindgergarten. It started out platonic, obviously, but then became... nope. Still platonic. The problem is that Parker Ellis has been straight since forever. And that makes it difficult to convince him the two of us are meant to be together.And now there's no point. All is lost... -
![Forever by Kindle Alexander]()
Forever by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most, the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life... -
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![Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy]()
Definitely Deacon by Vawn Cassidy
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsJesse Ainsley’s life running his busy veterinary practice in the sleepy Cornwall bay he grew up in leaves no time for a serious relationship… at least, that’s what he tells himself, but the simple truth is much more cliché... -
![Free Me by Mia Monroe]()
Free Me by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsOnly his ropes can unravel the past. I never thought I’d see him again, but when my former best friend shows up ready to make amends, it becomes clear just how tied to the past I am. He disappeared when I needed him the most, leaving me to navigate my truth alone. Now he’s back.Nixon’s art leaves me vulnerable, defenseless, and I like it... -
![Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers]()
Golden Boy and the Two Bears by Nash Summers
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsAsher Williams is obsessed with love. His column is thriving, fellow students trust him with their relationship woes, and he’s on his A-game when it comes to matchmaking. At least, matchmaking other than his own. After a heartfelt letter written to his column, Asher is set on aiding the two love-struck heroes who desperately need his help... -
![Play Dead by Avery Cockburn]()
Play Dead by Avery Cockburn
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe popular Scottish gay-romance series returns with this must-read novella! Colin’s wounds have finally healed. He’s ready for his big comeback on the football pitch and can’t wait to return to a normal life—especially the rampaging sex he and his boyfriend, Lord Andrew, once indulged in. But Andrew has his own invisible wounds... -
![The Play by Beth Bolden]()
The Play by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLast year, defensive end Deacon Harris witnessed the very worst of the Charleston Condors. After everything he and the team went through, he promised himself he’d walk away from football. But before he can retire, the team is sold to the last person he ever expected to see again.Deacon stays because the Condors are going into major rebuilding mode. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules... -
![Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart]()
Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsLincoln I’ve done a good job getting over my past. I’m not only proud of who I am, but revel in it. Still, I don’t let myself get too close to people. With closeness comes questions and those pesky feelings, and I’m having none of that. I’ve got a great job, friends, I’m cute and twinky, and my bed’s never empty. What more do I need? Except I can’t stop sleeping with Rush Alexander...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer m-m contemporary praise-kink friends-benefits -
![Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold]()
Change of Heart by K.M. Neuhold
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsDoes my husband's heart still miss me now that it beats in the chest of another man? Lub-dub A heartbeat more familiar than Easton’s own Lub-dub He vowed to love his husband until death do they part. And then the worst happened. Lub-dub His heart kept another man alive. River. A stranger in the world with Easton's husband's heart pumping the blood that warms his skin... -
![Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins]()
Frat Bro by Raleigh Ruebins
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis fall, I have one simple rule: don't fall in love with my fake boyfriend.I’m awful at following the rules.One minute I was a nobody in a small Colorado town, getting by on contract work, home renovations, and a dumpster fire of a dating life—and then suddenly, my life was on TV...Categorized as:
friends to lovers athletes sports queer queer-awakening m-m age difference hurt-comfort -
![Extended Stay by Mia Monroe]()
Extended Stay by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsI’ve never been interested in a man before. So why do I want to kiss this one?Promising my sick uncle I’d help fix his rundown hotel in San Diego was just the beginning of my problems. I plan to do what I can, convince him to sell, and then take off, returning to my calm and structured existence back east. I double down on that plan when I arrive to find it in worse shape than I expected... -
![Next Season by Lane Hayes]()
Next Season by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe injured hockey player and the grumpy chef…RileyMy time playing pro hockey will be up soon. I can feel it. And I’ve heard the he’s too old, he’s had too many injuries, he’s lost his edge. I don’t want to admit it, but they could be right. Next season might be my last.Or this season. Because of course, this is when the universe decides I need another concussion... -
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![Manhandled by Lauren Blakely]()
Manhandled by Lauren Blakely
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely...My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare... -
![Dauntless by Victoria Denault]()
Dauntless by Victoria Denault
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s everything I’ve ever wanted, at the worst possible moment.One and done. That’s always been my motto when it comes to guys, because I’m not about to pull someone else into the closet my parents have locked me inside. I’ve been waiting years to claim my inheritance and live the life I want to live–out, free, and oh yeah, rich... -
![Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley]()
Fake Boyfriend Breakaways by Eden Finley
Breakaways is a collection of short stories from Eden Finley’s Fake Boyfriend universe. They all feature side characters from the series but do not contain fake boyfriend tropes. Rebound (Fake Boyfriend 2.5) Aron and Wyatt have been best friends since college and are both rebounding from bad break-ups...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sports queer queer-awakening m-m contemporary age difference explicit-open-door -
![Battle It Out by Reese Knightley]()
Battle It Out by Reese Knightley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMaster Sergeant Zane Gannon loves nothing more than being a part of his Special Forces unit and kicking ass, but above everything, he values his friendship with Isaac. Sure, they argue and snipe at each other, but it’s all in good fun. Until it isn’t. Now, Isaac is pulling away and something Zane has buried for two decades is resurfacing... -
![Fancy Free by Mia Monroe]()
Fancy Free by Mia Monroe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe last thing I need is a curious straight guy sniffing around me. So why is he so hard to resist?My life is everything I ever wanted - by design. Being one of the nation’s most sought after wedding planners has led to a life of traveling to glamorous locations, bumping elbows with the rich and famous, and sampling every handsome hunk the world has to offer... -
![Enforce by Charity Parkerson]()
Enforce by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThey were supposed to be a one-night stand, and then a weekend fling… a just-for-this-season affair… soulmates. When Chip met Jai during All-Stars weekend, their hookup should’ve ended there. At the time, it was no big deal. As the assistant coach for the Phoenix Ice Rays, Chip can’t be in a relationship with a player from his team. Lucky for him, Jai plays for the Red Zones... -
![Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott]()
Definitely Not Meant to Be by A.W. Scott
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratings“How long have you been in love with your best friend?” Godric I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life. Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up. But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist. I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend... -
![War Torn by Andria Large]()
War Torn by Andria Large
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMy life has been completely turned around with the help of my boyfriend and best friend, Tucker. My depression is under control. I’m not having nightmares or flashbacks anymore. My sister is having a baby. Life with Tucker is great… Or is it? Everything seems to be going so well, almost too well... -
![Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander]()
Third Time Lucky by R.G. Alexander
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom Author New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author R.G. Alexander, Book 3 in the Finn's Pub Romance series! Ever had a thing for the man next door? My sexy new neighbor is confusing the hell out of me. Elliot Ransom is a baseball player and a single dad, but he doesn’t know his butter beer from a snozzberry... -
![The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes]()
The Professor's Date by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe professor, the hair stylist, and a wedding date…TommyHelp! My sister is getting married and according to her, I need a date. And a makeover. I’m a busy man, though. I don’t have time to meet eligible bachelors, and the tape holding my glasses together works just fine. Until my hair stylist steps on them... -
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![My Only Reason by Leigh Lennon]()
My Only Reason by Leigh Lennon
RyderIt's a cliche' really, falling in love with my best friend, my very straight best friend. And to add more complications, I'm a football player, about to be drafted. We're manly men. We aren't supposed to be gay. But I am and I love the one person I'll never have. Until fate forces us together six years later...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers queer queer-awakening first-person-pov athletes m-m contemporary -
![Breakaway by Kindle Alexander]()
Breakaway by Kindle Alexander
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGreer Lockhart set out to save the world from itself when he organized his first beach cleanup at the age of twelve. Now, as a uber-successful venture capitalist for eco-friendly startups, he doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals—whether personal or professional. When a new fitness app schedules a site-wide cycle race, Greer’s competitive side won’t let him back down...Categorized as:
sports super rich hero friends to lovers queer contemporary m-m insta-love length-medium -
![Delicious by Sierra Riley]()
Delicious by Sierra Riley
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 13 ratings“You’re exactly what I never knew I needed.” “I don’t have time for love.” Gavin Campbell has poured everything he has into starting up his bakery, Delicious... -
![Love and History by Lane Hayes]()
Love and History by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe sporty roommate, the professor, and a history lesson…Holden-Ezra might be the most annoying roommate ever. He’s loud, obnoxious, and full of himself. So what if he’s a tall, muscular, tattooed jock? His tendency to strip to his boxers in the kitchen while helping himself to my food isn’t endearing in the slightest. Nope. Ezra has to go...Categorized as:
sports friends to lovers athletes queer queer-awakening m-m forced proximity contemporary -
![Alex by S.M. Shade]()
Alex by S.M. Shade
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsNinety- two days. Thirteen weeks. That’s how long it’s been since I lost my love, my best friend. It’s been everything I can do to drag myself out of bed and get back to work, but I know Cooper would want me to move on. I think he’d even be happy if he knew who I want to move on with. The target of my affection, though, may not be so thrilled about my choice. He’s straight. Or he thinks he is... -
![Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand]()
Change My Ticket by Zarah Detand
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsHollywood heartthrob meets med school dropout in this contemporary British MM romance.When your key credential is looking good in spandex, your first serious role matters. Too bad that Gabe Duke can’t seem to get a proper handle on the molecular biologist he’s meant to portray... -
![After the Fire by Felice Stevens]()
After the Fire by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA single bullet destroyed the dreams of Dr. Jordan Peterson. With his lover dead, Jordan descends into an endless spiral of self-destruction that nearly costs him his friends, his career and his life... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson, Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFour years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him... -
![The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt]()
The Imperfection of Swans by Brandon Witt
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKevin Bivanti's dream to open a wedding dress shop - a place with stunning gowns to make every bride-to-be feel adored - is on the verge of becoming a reality. When he quits a successful advertising career to buy an old brownstone in a trendy Boston neighborhood, fate intervenes, ushering in Casper James, who hopes to open his own bakery... -
![Infamous by Jenny Holiday]()
Infamous by Jenny Holiday
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIs he brave enough to face the music? All that up-and-coming musician Jesse Jamison has ever wanted is to be on the cover of Rolling Stone. When a gossip website nearly catches him kissing someone who isn’t his famous girlfriend—and also isn’t a girl—he considers the near miss a wake-up call... -
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![Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye]()
Knowing Me, Knowing You by Renae Kaye
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLoving You: Book Four Can friends turned occasional lovers move beyond past mistakes and wrong assumptions to build something that can last? Quiet bookworm Shane has a big secret—one he’s kept for fifteen years. AFL superstar Ambrose Jakoby grew up next door to Shane. They were close friends, and Shane supported Ambrose through school. One night, everything changed... -
![I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander]()
I’m His First, He’s My Forever by Romeo Alexander
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTwo best friends, one straight, one gay, fight their own emotional storm in the middle of a raging hurricane.Who will win, heart or hurricane?Ethan: Being in love with my straight best friend? Not the greatest idea. But hey, I’ve kept it a secret from him all these years. Well, until hurricane Ada decided to visit our quiet town... -
![Playing the Player by Beth Bolden]()
Playing the Player by Beth Bolden
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCenter Logan Banks didn’t come to Miami looking for a best friend.He came for football and for a chance at freedom—the freedom to live out of the closet.But after a water main break, he lands an unexpected roommate, the new Piranhas kicker, Dylan Leonard. Between practices, games, and too many late nights on the couch, a best friend is exactly what he gets... -
![Brick Walls by L.A. Witt]()
Brick Walls by L.A. Witt
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCary “Sol” Solomon isn’t just in a slump—he’s a mess. His stats have plummeted. Fans hate him. After he caps off two awful seasons with a catastrophic playoff flop, his team is done with him. Worse, thanks to his downward spiral, the addiction that’s nearly cost him his career before is rearing its ugly head.As luck would have it, though, the Seattle Sasquatches are desperate for goalies... -
![Clip by Charity Parkerson]()
Clip by Charity Parkerson
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsLuka was nothing more than a job to Brady… until he wasn’t. When the owner of the Phoenix Ice Rays starts receiving death threats, the first thing he does is hire Brady to protect his son, Luka. It’s a move that leaves Luka less than thrilled. Ever since moving out on his own six years earlier, he’s come to embrace the silence of his workaholic ways... -
![Adam's Song by Spencer Spears]()
Adam's Song by Spencer Spears
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThey say it’s a bad idea to fall for your best friend. But since when do I say no to bad ideas? Adam: It’s not like I wanted to fall in love with Ben. When we first met in college, I thought he’d be like every other hot jock who’d made my life hell in high school. It's not my fault he turned out to be sweet, funny, and insanely talented... -
![Home Ice Disadvantage by Hannah Henry]()
Home Ice Disadvantage by Hannah Henry
Felix Becker is trying to figure out where he belongs in New Jersey. After spending nearly a decade in Texas in a codependent, though platonic, relationship with his best friend, recent Stanley Cup winner Rowan Foley, it’s time to move on. His new condo is fine, but things finally start to look up when he meets his cute neighbor, Will. Will Knight’s third book is destroying him... -
![Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson]()
Sweet Spot by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFour years ago, it took no time at all for Cody Marshall to fall for the rookie pitcher at spring training. While their lives were nothing alike, Cody understood Nick Stone’s insecurities and pain. And then… Nick left. Eventually, Cody found his own passion and landed a dream internship with the Mavericks. His life was finally turning around. And then… Nick came back... -
![Change Up by Sloan Johnson]()
Change Up by Sloan Johnson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsKevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend... -
![The Right Way by May Archer]()
The Right Way by May Archer
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"The right way is the one where we end up together...And to do that, we need to survive this." A brilliant, obsessive mind is the heart of Sebastian Seaver’s genius. It might also be the thing that costs him everything he’s created and everyone he’s ever loved... -
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![Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn]()
Tangled Up In You by Jaclyn Osborn
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBecoming best friends at an early age, Corbin and Hunter were inseparable. Where one went, the other followed. As years passed, their friendship blossomed into something more and both boys fell madly in love. Corbin loved Hunter’s quirkiness and obsession with Shakespeare, and Hunter loved Corbin’s goofy personality and kind heart... -
![Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward]()
Change Up: An Out For You Gay Sports Romance by Quinn Ward
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsNo one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief... -
![Unexpected by Felice Stevens]()
Unexpected by Felice Stevens
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsParty planner Colin Brightman doesn’t drink or dance, preferring to go to bed early with his spreadsheets and lists. All he wants is to forget the singles weekend his friends sent him on, but he’s stuck with a suitcase filled with condoms and skimpy Speedos that don’t belong to him.He doesn’t expect his luggage thief to be ex-baseball superstar Walker “Walk-Off” Scanlon... -
![Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos]()
Spy On Me by Marina Vivancos
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAgent Matteo can admit that sleeping with his handler might not be the brightest idea he’s had. After all, Nikolas is the only one that’s ever stuck by him—the person he trusts the most.Matteo has never been good at taking orders—until Nikolas. Now, all Matteo seems to want is Nikolas’s voice in his head. Telling him what to do…even if that’s getting on his knees for Nikolas... -
![Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes]()
Holiday Crush by Lane Hayes
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe hockey has-been, the barista, and some holiday magic… Court Cut from the team, fired my agent…now what? This can’t be it for me. Unfortunately, the phone isn’t ringing. My best bet is to head home for the holidays and regroup. Problem: I don’t know what to do with myself. Helping out at the rink might be my ticket out of here, but nothing is happening fast enough. And then there’s Ivan... -
![Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh]()
Kiss Me Again by Garrett Leigh
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsTree surgeon Aidan Drummond is content with his own company. He works alone, and lives alone, and it doesn’t occur to him to want anything else until a life-changing accident lands him in hospital. Then a glimpse of the beautiful boy in the opposite bed changes everything. Ludo Giordano is trapped on the ward with a bunch of old men. His mind plays tricks on him, keeping him awake...
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